Pranshakti Kundalini Evam Chakra Sadhna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pranshakti Kundalini evam Chakra Sadhna" by Bramhamitra Avasthi, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

Book Title: Pranshakti Kundalini evam Chakra Sadhna (Pranic Energy Kundalini and Chakra Sadhana) Author: Bramhamitra Avasthi Publisher: Z_Sadhviratna_Pushpvati_Abhinandan_Granth_012024.pdf

This text delves into the profound yogic practices of Kundalini awakening and Chakra sadhana, highlighting their significance within various yogic traditions like Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Tantra Yoga. It emphasizes that Kundalini sadhana is considered paramount in Hatha Yoga, often referred to as the key to the door of liberation. The excerpt primarily focuses on understanding what Kundalini is, the meaning of its awakening, and the methods of sadhana for its awakening.

Key Concepts and Explanations:

• What is Kundalini?

  • Kundalini is also known by names like Kundali and Kutilangī, suggesting its curved or coiled nature.
  • It's sometimes referred to as "Bhujangī" and "Sarpini" (serpentine) due to its form.
  • It's also called Taijas-shakti, Jiva Shakti, and Ishwari, indicating it's a luminous energy inherent to the individual.
  • While naturally dormant, its awakening bestows immense power and divine potential upon the practitioner.

• The Location of Kundalini:

  • There is no disagreement on its location: it resides above the Muladhara Chakra and below the Svadhisthana Chakra, near the "Kanda Sthan" (root place).
  • It is believed to be coiled three and a half times around the "Svayambhu Linga" (self-manifested phallus), which is situated behind the Yoni Sthan (genital area).
  • Modern science has not identified a physical organ corresponding to this description. However, the text draws a parallel to modern neuroscience's acknowledgment that consciousness isn't solely centered in the brain but also operates through the Sushumna nadi, which runs along the spinal cord. It also notes that only a portion of the brain and Sushumna is actively used by most individuals.

• The Nadis and Chakras:

  • The text discusses the yogic concept of the Nadi system, mentioning seventy-two thousand nadis, with Sushumna, Ida, and Pingala being the most important.
  • Ida and Pingala: Located on the left and right sides, extending to the Kanda Sthan.
  • Sushumna Nadi (Brahmanya Nadi): Starts from the center of the Kanda Sthan, passes through the spinal cord, and reaches the Agnya Chakra (between the eyebrows), where it connects to the brain. The upper end is known as Brahmarandhra.
  • Granthis (Knots) in Sushumna:
    • Brahma Granthi: Located near the Muladhara Chakra, its piercing signifies the awakening of Muladhara.
    • Vishnu Granthi: Situated near the heart (Anahata Chakra), its piercing occurs with the awakening of the Anahata Chakra.
    • Rudra Granthi: Located above the midpoint of the eyebrows (Agnya Chakra), its piercing signifies the yogi's ultimate attainment.

• The Process of Awakening:

  • Normally, prana (life force) flows through Ida and Pingala. Yogis learn to channel prana into Sushumna through sadhana, leading to spiritual progress and mental concentration.
  • Pranayama: Through Pranayama, the mouth of the Brahmanya nadi, obstructed by phlegm and other impurities, is cleared. This allows prana to enter Sushumna.
  • Kevala Kumbhaka: The practice of breath retention (Kumbhaka) begins here.
  • The clearing of the obstruction at the Brahmarandhra is termed "Brahma Granthi Bhedan" or Kundalini awakening.
  • The three sections of Sushumna:
    1. From Kanda to Muladhara/Brahma Granthi.
    2. From Brahma Granthi to Vishnu Granthi.
    3. From Vishnu Granthi to Rudra Granthi.
  • Dharana (Concentration): As prana enters Sushumna and Kevala Kumbhaka begins, concentration practices are performed on the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether), corresponding to the chakras.
  • Dhyana (Meditation): Reaching and stabilizing the mind and prana above Agnya Chakra.
  • Samadhi: The state of union of prana and mind in the Sahasrara Padma (crown chakra).

• Kundalini Awakening vs. Kevala Kumbhaka:

  • The text asserts that Kundalini awakening and the entry of prana into Sushumna culminating in Kevala Kumbhaka are not different but identical.
  • Different traditions describe this unified state using different terminology:
    • Dattatreya Yoga Shastra, Yogatatva Upanishad: Describe it as the attainment of Kevala Kumbhaka.
    • Tantra-influenced or Nath traditions: Refer to it as Kundalini awakening.
  • The text points out that books focusing on Kevala Kumbhaka may not mention Kundalini, and vice-versa, indicating a difference in emphasis rather than concept.

• Prana Shakti vs. External Breath:

  • Prana Shakti is not the same as the inhaled and exhaled air (external breath).
  • Prana Shakti is the intrinsic life force. External breath is merely its gross manifestation.
  • The five vital airs (Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana) and the five subsidiary airs (Naga, Kurma, Krikara, Devadatta, Dhananjaya) are considered gross manifestations of Prana Shakti.
  • Prana Shakti is the fundamental basis of consciousness.

• The Chakras in Detail:

  • Muladhara Chakra: Base of the system, associated with the earth element. Located near the anus. Has four petals and is represented by the seed mantra "Lam." Awakening leads to purity, strong voice, and command over elements.
  • Svadhisthana Chakra: Located above Muladhara, associated with the water element. Has six petals and is represented by the seed mantra "Vam." Awakening purifies the mind, removes ego, and grants poetic ability.
  • Manipura Chakra: Located at the navel, associated with the fire element. Has ten petals and is represented by the seed mantra "Ram." Awakening grants control over fire, luminous qualities, and the ability to create/destroy.
  • Anahata Chakra: Located near the heart, associated with the air element. Has twelve petals and is represented by the seed mantra "Yam." Awakening grants control over air, the ability to transfer life force, and profound spiritual insight (Anahata Naad). Vishnu Granthi is pierced here.
  • Vishuddha Chakra: Located at the throat, associated with the ether/space element. Has sixteen petals and is represented by the seed mantra "Ham." Awakening grants control over sound, telepathic abilities, and universal knowledge.
  • Agnya Chakra (Bhrumadhya Chakra): Located between the eyebrows, associated with the Mahat Tattva (cosmic mind). Has two petals and is represented by the seed mantras "Ham" and "Ksham" (with "Om" in the center). Awakening here leads to omniscience and the piercing of the Rudra Granthi. This is where Dhyana (meditation) is practiced.
  • Sahasrara Chakra: Located above the Agnya Chakra in the brain, the crown chakra. It is the seat of pure consciousness and the culmination of the sadhana. Reaching here signifies liberation and union with the divine.

• Preparation for Sadhana:

  • The text stresses the importance of preparatory practices like Yama (restraint) and Niyama (observances).
  • Purification of the body (Neti, Dhauti, etc.) and purification of the nadis through various Pranayama techniques (Surya Bhedana, Ujjayi, Bhastrika, etc.) are crucial before undertaking Kevala Kumbhaka or Kundalini sadhana.

• The Ultimate Goal:

  • The ultimate aim is the awakening of Kundalini, the union of Prana Shakti with the supreme consciousness, leading to liberation (Kaivalya) and the dissolution of ignorance and afflictions. This state is described as one of complete fullness, knowledge, and bliss.

In essence, the book "Pranshakti Kundalini evam Chakra Sadhna" provides a detailed exploration of the vital yogic concepts of Kundalini and Chakras, explaining their structure, function, and the process of their awakening through dedicated sadhana. It bridges the gap between traditional yogic understanding and the underlying physiological and energetic principles, presenting a comprehensive guide for spiritual aspirants.